Two prominent London MCs from opposite ends of the generational spectrum have joined forces on a fresh single. The underground sensation fakemink has surfaced in just the last couple of years with a murky, zoned-out lo-fi vibe that sits in stark contrast to the rapid, hyperactive grime and drill that once defined UK rap. His approach doesn’t always translate to live shows, but his recent album Terrified . made our mid-year best-of list. Since its release, he’s issued standalone tracks like “Love Is A Dog From Hell.” and “Love Of The Game 3.” Now he’s dropped a new track with Skepta.
You know Skepta. He broke through in the early grime scene, racked up a string of hits, and became one of the world’s biggest stars. Skepta has recently broadened into the EDM DJ sphere, releasing his single “Innocent Smile,” a wildly bold collaboration with dance producers Chase & Status and Madness frontman Suggs, just last month. He’s 44 years old, more than twice fakemink’s age.
fakemink and Skepta crossed paths earlier this year when they both appeared at Warsaw’s CLOUT Festival, and they’re both featured in a new Stone Island ad campaign. fakemink co-produced the new single “Chiltern Firehouse.” with Angelus and Musa, and it opens as a quintessential fakemink cut—druggy, whispery, and inward. But then Skepta bursts onto the track, and the razor-sharp clarity of his vocals can feel almost brutal. He attacks the beat while fakemink glides. It’s a genuine clash of styles, yet it sounds pretty thrilling. Listen below.
Terrified . by fakemink is out now on EtnaVeraVela. Skepta’s new album The Fork And Knife lands on 11/6 via Big Smoke/Epic/Sony.
